Display Link Aggregation for Single-Cable Video and Auxiliary Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display port link between a processor and a display device requires multiple micro-coaxial cables, which limits the design of smaller form factor devices like laptops, as the cable bundle affects the size and components housed in the clutch barrel.
Innovation Solution
A display port link aggregator is integrated into both the motherboard and display device, aggregating data signals into a single micro-coaxial cable by converting parallel signal streams into serial streams for transmission and de-aggregating them at the receiver end, allowing for communication between the processor and display device using a single cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple micro-coaxial cables are used in the cable bundle, then reliable image data transmission is achieved, but the cable bundle size increases and clutch barrel space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate signal transmissions (main video signal and auxiliary signal) into a single cable bundle by implementing link aggregation. The transmitter aggregates parallel signal streams into a multiplexed parallel signal stream, converts it to serial, and transmits through one cable. The receiver de-aggregates the serial stream back to parallel streams, separating the main video and auxiliary signals for processing. This merging approach reduces cable count while maintaining signal integrity and transmission reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micro-coaxial cables are used in the cable bundle, then complete signal transmission (main video and auxiliary signals) is achieved, but the clutch barrel size must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal transmissions into a single cable by implementing link aggregation. The transmitter component aggregates the main video signal and auxiliary signal into a multiplexed parallel signal stream, which is then converted to serial and transmitted through one micro-coaxial cable. The receiver component de-aggregates the serial stream back to separate parallel streams, restoring the main video and auxiliary signals. This reduces the number of cables required, thereby reducing the clutch barrel area needed to house the cable bundle.
3Volume of moving object
If a single cable is used for transmission, then cable bundle size is reduced, but signal aggregation and de-aggregation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces link aggregation as an intermediary mechanism between the processor and display device. The transmitter component acts as an intermediary by aggregating parallel signal streams into a multiplexed parallel signal stream, converting it to serial format for single-cable transmission. The receiver component serves as an intermediary by de-aggregating the serial stream back to parallel streams and separating the main video and auxiliary signals. This intermediary approach manages the complexity of single-cable transmission while maintaining signal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Video data and auxiliary data may be sent between a processor and a display device via a single cable using a link aggregator. As such, the link aggregator may receive a first parallel signal that may include the video data and a second parallel signal that may include auxiliary data from the processor. The link aggregator may then send the first parallel signal and the second parallel signal as an aggregated signal to the display device. Upon receiving the aggregated signal at the display device, the link aggregator may de-aggregate the aggregated signal into the first parallel signal and the second parallel signal. The link aggregator may then send the first parallel signal and the second parallel signal to a timing controller of the display device, such that the timing controller may display the video data using the display device.